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Property tax reappraisal bill paused after heated debate over fairness and fiscal impact
Summary
Senate discussion of SB43, which would require countywide reassessments when average property values change 10% or more, drew extensive debate about localized tax spikes and a pending $4 million fiscal note; senators requested revised fiscal analysis and held the bill for further consideration.
Senate Bill 43, a proposal to require countywide property reappraisals in certain first- and second-class counties when average assessed values change by 10% or more, was the focus of extended debate on Jan. 27.
Senator Barrett, presenting the bill, said it arose "because of a huge tax problem in the Holiday area," where reappraisal cycles had led to neighboring homes receiving very different tax assessments. "Homes right next to each other, one would have a 50% ... increase in their property tax," he said, arguing that countywide reassessment in affected years would produce fairer results.
Opponents and cautious senators raised the bill’s fiscal consequences. Senator McAllister referenced an earlier fiscal estimate of a $4,000,000 cost to counties for a statewide reassessment; Senator Black said the fiscal note remained a real concern and urged a revised note before floor action. Senator Beatty and others asked for updated county fiscal inputs and recommended delaying a final vote until the revised note is available.
Senator Watson and others outlined the equity argument: segmented reappraisal cycles had produced what they called sharp, localized tax increases that left neighbors facing very different liabilities. Watson urged that the Legislature either change the system or provide funds to make countywide reappraisals feasible and equitable.
Following prolonged discussion and requests for a revised fiscal note, the Senate agreed to hold further action and reconvene the discussion on Monday. Senators emphasized the need for precise fiscal figures and county-level data before taking final action.
The clerk recorded that a revised fiscal note had been requested from counties; no final vote on SB43 occurred during the Jan. 27 session.
